Disney's Grand Californian Hotel

Disney's Grand Californian Hotel Overview

The Grand Californian, built in the rustic stone-and-timber style of the
grand national-park lodges, is the flagship property. Newer, more elaborately
themed, and closer to the theme parks and Downtown Disney than the other two
on-property hotels, the Grand Californian is without a doubt the best place to
stay...if you can afford it.

The Grand Californian hotel is the crown jewel of Disneyland Resort’s three
hotels. With its shingle siding, rock foundations, cavernous hewnbeam lobby,
polished hardwood floors, and cozy hearths, the hotel is a stately combination
of elements from Western national park lodges. Designed by architect Peter
Dominick (who also designed the Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World), the
Grand Californian is rendered in the Arts and Crafts style of the early 20th
century, with such classic features as “flying” roofs, projecting beams,
massive buttresses, and an earth-tone color palette. We strongly encourage
visitors with an interest in architecture to take the fascinating (and free)
hour-long Art of the Craft walking tour of the resort, offered several times
each week through the Guest Services desk. Most reminiscent of the Ahwahnee
hotel at Yosemite National Park, the Grand Californian combines rugged
craftsmanship and grand scale with functional design and intimate spaces. Pull
up a vintage rocker in front of a blazing fire, and the bustling lobby
instantly becomes a snug cabin.

The hotel's main entrance off Disneyland Drive is primarily for vehicular
traffic. Two pedestrian-only entrances open into Downtown Disney and DCA; this
last makes it a cinch to return to the hotel from DCA for a nap, a swim, or
lunch. Walking time to Disneyland Park is about 4 minutes.

Ranging $475–$980 per night, guest rooms are the most expensive at
Disneyland Resort. The Grand Californian, like the other two Disney-owned
hotels, charges guests $15 a day for self-parking (up to two vehicles, free
for Disney Vacation Club members) or $22 for valet (☎ 714-635-2300). On the
plus side, none of the hotels charge a resort fee, and all provide safes,
mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi (supposedly high-speed, but don’t
plan on streaming Netflix) in rooms and public areas.

Grand Californian Villas

Disney’s time-share condo enterprise, the Disney Vacation Club, premiered
its first West Coast property as part of the 2009 expansion of the Grand
Californian. The Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian consist of 48 two-
bedroom equivalent villas and two Grand Villas. Equivalent is the term used to
describe single units that can be sold (or rented) as studio suites or
combined to make two- and three-bedroom villas. All villas except studio
suites include kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas, as well as washers
and dryers. Master bedrooms offer a king bed, while other bedrooms provide two
queen beds. Studio suites come with a single queen bed. All bedrooms have a
flat-panel TV, private bath, and private balcony. Though studio suites don’t
have full kitchens, they do include a small fridge, a microwave, and a
coffeemaker. Two-bedroom villas consist of a one-bedroom villa joined to a
studio suite. Three-bedroom Grand Villas are two-story affairs with the living
area, kitchen, and master bedroom on the lower level and two bedrooms on the
upper level. Rates for various villas range from $359 for a studio suite
during the off-season to $5,000 for a three-bedroom Grand Villa on New Year’s
weekend. Other elements of the Grand Californian include a swimming pool for
the villas and an underground parking garage.

Inspired by Napa Valley cuisine, the Napa Rose restaurant is the Disneyland
Resort's premier fine-dining venue. Situated in a stunning room overlooking
DCA, Napa Rose is very expensive but still a very good value . Just a notch
down in price and formality, but likewise located in an exceptionally lovely
(albeit more rustic) room, is the Storytellers Cafe, which serves breakfast,
lunch, and dinner. The restaurant's name is drawn from period murals depicting
tall tales set in early California. The fare consists of house-specialty
wood-fired pizza and hearty home-style comfort food.

The resort's pool complex, beautifully landscaped with rocks and conifers
in a High Sierra theme, includes a lap pool, a Mickey-shaped pool, and a kids'
pool with a 100-foot-long twisting slide. The on-site Mandara Spa is one of
Disney's best, offering a wide selection of treatments and a state-of-the-art
fitness facility. Rounding out the Grand Californian's amenity mix are two
clubby lounges and a child-care center for children ages 5-12.

How Grand Californian Hotel Compares to Other Disneyland Resort
Hotels

Eash Disney-owned hotel has a nice theme but Grand Californian's theme
national-park lodge theme is unmatched in terms of beauty and scope. Yes, you
will pay a high premium to stay here but having a direct entrance in to Disney
California Adventure is a nice perk. Also, Grand Californian has some of the
best dining available in Disneyland Resort.

Early Entry for Grand Californian Hotel Guests

Guests at the Paradise Pier, Grand Californian, and Disneyland
Hotel can enter on any early-entry day, as long as they have any
valid ticket; this privilege is referred to as Extra Magic Hour. During this
early-entry hour, most of the Fantasyland attractions—along with Space
Mountain, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Astro Orbitor, Buzz
Lightyear, and Star Tours in Tomorrowland—will usually be open. The
rest of the park’s attractions (and all Fastpass machines) will remain
offlimits until the official opening time. Disney California Adventure (DCA)
also offers its own Extra Magic Hour exclusively for hotel guests, offering
access to all of Cars Land, along with select attractions in Hollywood
Land, Paradise Pier, and Condor Flats, on 3 mornings (Monday,
Wednesday, and Friday) or daily, depending on seasonal demand.

Where To Check-In, Get Theme Park Tickets, and Make Dining
Reservations

A security gate guards the entrance to Disney's Grand Californian Hotel's
grounds. If you arrive by car, you'll need to provide photo ID at the gate;
it's not necessary to provide your reservation
number or paperwork. A dedicated parking lot across from the lobby serves as
temporary parking for those who need it while checking in.

Check-in time at Grand Californian Hotel is 3:00 PM, and check-out time is
11:00 AM. You'll need to provide a government-issued photo ID and credit/debit
card when you register.

Get theme park tickets and dining reservations at the Concierge Desk. If
you need to check in and obtain theme park tickets, you can save some
time in line if one adult gets in line for tickets just after
another adult starts the registration process. The Concierge Desk can also
make Disney dining reservations, and you can avoid a wait there by making them
online prior to arrival.

Grand Californian Hotel's Rooms

Grand Californian rooms include excellent light for reading in bed, more
than adequate storage space, a two-sink vanity outside the toilet and bath,
and, in some rooms, a balcony. Views from the guest rooms overlook the
swimming pool, Downtown Disney, or Disney California Adventure theme park.

Grand Californian Hotel room with a king-size bed.

Each Grand Californian Hotel room is furnished with the following:

One king-size bed or 2 queen-size beds

Dresser with 4 small-sized drawers

Small table with 2 chairs

Nightstand with telephone and digital alarm clock

Full-length mirror (on bath door)

WiFi wireless Internet access

Flat-panel TV

Mini-fridge

Coffee Maker

Ironing board and iron

Hair dryer

Digital thermostat

In-room safe

Tiny bottle of shampoo, and bar soap

The mini-fridge is a dorm-style unit that sits under a counter or desk.
It's more like a beverage chiller than a refrigerator in that it'll keep
drinks cool,
but you're not going to freeze popsicles or make ice cubes in it. Every room
in Grand Californian Hotel has a coffee maker.

Entertainment center, dresser, and table with chairs.

Handicap-Accessible Room Options

Grand Californian Hotel has rooms available with various accessibility
options. Some feature roll-in showers, while others include assistive hearing
devices.

Standard View Rooms, Downtown Disney View Rooms, and Premium Rooms

Disney knows that some hotel rooms are better than others. Most people prefer
to be close to the lobby and dining, and want something
pretty to look at from their hotel room window. To capitalize on this, Disney
categorizes all of Grand Californian Hotel's rooms based on what you see from
inside the room.

Here's the system Disney uses:

A Standard View room may look out on to a parking lot,
pools, or landscaping.

A Downtown Disney View rooms are upper level rooms that
have views of Downtown Disney. These rooms do have nice views, but that may
come at higher than usual noise levels.

Premium View rooms feature views of Disney California
Adventure theme park. The higher your room is, the better your view of the DCA
will be, but that privilege does come at a higher price (sometimes as much as
$150 or more, per a night).

Pools and Playgrounds at Grand Californian Hotel

Grand Californian Hotel's Fountain Pool and Redwood Pool range in depth
from around 3 feet 6 inches/1.1m to 4 feet 9 inches/1.4m. Grand Californian
Hotel's pools are open every day, including during winter. Pools are heated to
82°F/28°C throughout
the year. We've swum in temperatures as cold as 40°F/4°C; the water
was fine, but getting out was a shock. Grand Californian Hotel also has a
hot tub near each pool. The Redwood Pool also features a
waterslide.

Pool hours are at least 9AM to 9 PM, extending to as much
as 8 AM to 12 AM during busy times. Lifeguards are on duty during the pools'
operating hours.

Infants and children in diapers are welcome the Grand Californian Hotel
pools, as long as they're wearing swim diapers. Water wings
are allowed at all Disney pools, and every pool has free life
vests in a variety of sizes:

Infant/child: Weight less than 30 lbs.

Child: Weight 30-50 lbs.

Youth: Weight 50-90 lbs.

Adult XS: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 31-34 in.

Adult S: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 34-37 in.

Adult M: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 37-40 in.

Adult L: Weight more than 90 lbs. Chest size 40-43 in.

Adult XL: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 43-46 in.

Adult XXL: Weight more than 90 lbs., Chest size 46-48 in.

Additionally, there may be a small supply of even larger vests. Inquire at
your resort.

You may need to bring your towels from your room to use at the pool -
Disney sometimes stocks extra towels poolside, and sometimes they don't. Our
advice is to send someone
down to the pool to check the towel situation before you go. If you end up
using your room towels at the pool, just call Housekeeping when you get back
and request more.

Wheelchair Accessibility at Grand Californian Hotel's Pools

Grand Californian Hotel's Fountain Pool and Redwood Pool each have a
chair-lift device that can lower guests in wheelchairs into the shallow end of
the pool. Check with any lifeguard for assistance on using the lift.

Restaurants and Dining at Grand Californian Hotel

Grand Californian Hotel has one full-service restaurant, one character
dining restaurant, two bars and lounges, and two counter service restaurants.
If none of these establishments meet your needs you can take a short walk to
Downtown Disney and eat at any one of its restaurants of varying quality and
price range.

Napa Rose

Napa rose is Disneyland resort's flagship fine-dining experience. the Grand
Californian's Craftsman theme is carried into this premier room with sweeping
views of Disney California adventure from virtually every table. a large, open
demonstration kitchen lets you watch the magic happen, and wine, in all of its
glory, is displayed at every turn. Fine linens, china, and flatware are the
norm. this is an absolutely gorgeous room with food and service to match.

Napa Rose may be the best restaurant in Orange County and has been at the
top of most critics' lists since its debut. top talent in the kitchen and in
the dining room, beautiful space with panoramic views and a wine cellar second
to none, make this an incomparable gustatory experience. every server has
earned sommelier status, a designation that takes years of study and practical
experience with wine and wine-making. look for unusual ingredients (tahitian
vanilla, smoked sturgeon, truffled quail eggs, lemongrass, almond oil) married
to top-notch staples (Colorado lamb, Berkshire pork, pheasant breast), all
deftly handled by a world-class kitchen crew. and although staff are very
accommodating in the usual Disney manner, this is definitely not an adventure
for the kids. Napa Rose should be on every adult's Disney bucket list, a
must-do at least once. If the full menu is too rich for your blood sit in the
cozy lounge and order appetizers.

The menu, rotated seasonally, focuses on the cuisine of California's wine
region, ranchlands, farm belts, and coastline. wine finds its way onto most of
the menu in sauces, reductions, infusions, and dressings. the grilled angus
new York strip steak features an understated cabernet reduction; ocean trout
is crusted with cashews and served with baked apples and sauteed coastal
mushrooms.

The Storytellers Cafe carries the grand Californian's arts and Crafts theme
throughout with large, open beams; natural wood and wood carvings; milled
stone; and stained glass. the walls are adorned with impressive murals
depicting the state's rich literary history, from Mark twain's the Celebrated
Jumping Frog of Calaveras County to Scott Dell's Island of the Blue
Dolphins.

You may experience a little sticker shock at first, but there's real value
here. it's not quite on par with Napa Rose across the way, but the same
dedication to quality and originality is evident in everything from the menu
to the service. Kids will find lots to like about the menu, along with enough
distractions between the colorful menus, murals, and character visits to let
the adults enjoy a wide range of menu options (from pastas to steaks to fresh
fish) and a leisurely cocktail or glass of wine. You'll want to save some room
for dessert, too who could pass up warm seasonal-fruit cobbler heaped with
vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate brownie?

Children under age 10 will love the character breakfast. Chip & Dale,
goofy, and other Disney celebrities visit the tables, sign autographs, and
pose for photos between bites of omelets, waffles, and hotcakes. At dinner,
braised chicken and lemon prawns.

White Water Snacks

White Water Snacks is a great place to eat. It has lots of choices to make
everyone happy and is easy to get to when you need a break from the parks.
White Water is a bit off the beaten path, because of this it rarely seems to
be crowded. We’ve been on the most packed of summer days and found the whole
place fairly deserted. Yet, White Water Snacks is so close you can see DCA
right through the windows. The Carnitas Angus Cheeseburger is the best
hamburger on Disneyland Resort property.

Hearthstone Lounge

Hearthstone Lounge is Grand Californian's main lounge. Located just off of
the hotel's lobby, Hearthstone has indoor seating and a full drink menu with
several beer selections, wines, and a selection of spirits.

Transportation to and from Grand Californian Hotel

Driving Your Own Car Grand Californian Hotel is just off of
the 5 freeway in Anaheim. Take I-5 South Exit on Disneyland
Drive and turn left on Disneyland Drive. Go
about 0.6 miles and Grand Californian Hotel will be on your left.

From Los Angeles International Airport or John Wayne
Airport If you're arriving at LAX or John Wayne, Gray Line Anaheim's
Disneyland Express will take you and your luggage directly from the airport to
Grand Californian Hotel, then back to the airport when it's time for your
flight home. This service is not free and reservations must be made in
advance. Prices from LAX are $30 one way/$48 roundtrip for adults, and $24 one
way/$28 roundtrip for children. Prices for John Wayne Airport are $20 one
way/$35 roundtrip for adults and $19 one way/$23 roundtrip for children. See
Gray Line's
website for more information.

Another transportation option is SuperShuttle. Prices are $16 per person
one way/$32 per person roundtrip from LAX and $10 per person one way/$20 per
person roundtrip from John Wayne Airport. These prices do not include tip.

Taxis are also available at all local airports, but the price can become
extremely expensive after sitting in Los Angeles traffic on the way to
Disneyland Resort. We've heard reports from people that have paid almost $150
to get from LAX to their Anaheim hotel.

Getting to the theme parks and Downtown Disney: All
Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels, and Downtown Disney can be accessed
with a short walk from any Grand Californian Hotel room. The walk from
Disneyland Hotel to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure usually takes
about 15 minutes, depending on how fast you walk. Another option is to take
the Disneyland Monorail. Guests who catch the monorail at Downtown Disney will
be dropped off at the Tomorrowland Monorail Station.

Shopping, Recreation, and Things To Do at Grand Californian Hotel

Grand Californian Hotel's gift shop is Acorns Gifts & Goods and sits
just off the lobby. As you'd expect from a Disney gift shop, Acorns has a
decent
collection of souvenirs ranging from small trinkets such as keychains and
pens, to embroidered jackets and Disney princess dresses. Prices for these
items are about what you'd pay in the theme parks or Downtown Disney.

Acorns also sells basic pharmacy items such as sunscreen, aspirin,
allergy and cold medicine, baby diapers and formula, shampoo, and the like.
And Acorns Shop has
Disney-branded cookies, chocolate, coffee tins, and similar items, if that's
what you're looking for. Prices for these items are considerably higher -
about double - than what you'd probably pay
at home.

Grand Californian Hotel Babysitting and Child Care

Grand Californian's on-site child-care center is the Pinocchio's
Workshop. Kids ages 5-12 may take part. Services vary, but children
generally can be left between
5 PM and midnight. Fresh fruit and blankets and pillows are provided. Dinner
can be purchased for an additional $5. Play is supervised
but not organized, and toys, videos, and games are plentiful. Guests at any
Grand Californian Hotel may use the services. The capacity for Pinocchio's
Workshop is small so Disney encourages guests to make a reservation. You may
do so by calling (714) 635-2300.

Miscellaneous Grand Californian

Coin-operated washers and dryers are in laundry facilities
located near the Fountain Pool. Cost is around $2 per wash, and another $2 per
dry cycle.
The machines take quarters, and a change machine is provided. A small
selection of soap, fabric softener, and dryer sheets are also sold, for
around $1 each. A typical wash cycle takes 20 to 30 minutes, and a typical dry
cycle takes 40 to 50.

If you lose something during your stay, contact Grand Californian Hotel's
Lost and Found department by calling (714) 635-2300.

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